Etihad Airways has purchased a 33.3% stake in Darwin Airline, a Swiss Carrier. The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates said it will be rebranding Darwin as Etihad Regional and will jumpstart its first branded regional operation. The renamed carrier will connect passengers flying from secondary markets to the European network of Etihad Airways as well into the hubs of its equity alliance partners. No financial details were provided about the acquisition. The move still needs to be approved by regulatory authorities.
Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said the "Etihad Regional" logo will be placed on both sides of the fuselage of the Darwin Airline aircraft. On the rear of the airplane, the logo of Darwin Airline and the words "Operated by Darwin Airline" would also be shown.
In the middle of next year, Darwin Airline will be flying 21 new routes and adding 18 destinations. Six gateways in Europe which are currently served by Etihad Airways will also be included in its network. Moreover, Darwin will be connecting with Air Berlin and Air Serbia, the current equity partners of Etihad.
Hogan said, "This is a step-change for Etihad Airways. With our new partner Darwin Airline, we are creating a unique approach to network development for global airlines. European travellers will now be able to connect from a far, far wider range of European towns and cities on Etihad-branded aircraft, through Abu Dhabi to our destinations worldwide."
He added that the deal was not only good news for travelers in Europe. Hogan said, "It is also great news for Darwin Airline, which will see increased investment, greater sales and marketing opportunities, and the chance to benefit from Etihad Airways' global network."
Etihad Airways holds minority shares in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus.
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